After blowing a seven-point lead on Wednesday night, the Lakers will look to come out strong in tonight's Game 3 against the Thunder to avoid going down 3-0. Los Angeles has seen a great deal of turnover in recent years and while the Lakers have more playoff experience, Kobe Bryant recently noted that the Thunder have been playing together as a group for longer. Let's head out west for a look at items out of the Pacific Division..
- The Lakers only have one pick in the 2012 Draft (No. 60), but it sounds like they want to acquire another second-round pick, tweets Alex Kennedy of Hoops World. The Cavaliers own the Lakers' first-round pick this year (No. 24) thanks to the Ramon Sessions trade.
- Kennedy also notes (via Twitter) that the Lakers worked out several draft prospects last week including guards Tu Holloway, Marcus Denmon, and Charlie Westbrook.
- For the Warriors to have a real breakthrough, they'll have to overcome inexperience both on- and off-the-court, writes Matt Steinmetz of CSNBayArea.com. While head coach Mark Jackson enjoyed a 17-year playing career and GM Bob Myers was an NBA agent for more than a dozen years, both men are neophytes to their current roles.
- David Thorpe of ESPN.com (Insider sub. req'd) looks at the Suns draft needs, with and without Steve Nash at point guard.
- In a piece for ESPNLosAngeles.com, Justin Verrier talks with Clippers forward Reggie Evans about his career as a rebounding specialist and unlikely success story as an undrafted free agent.